Shanthi Priya Supports Bad Girl: Says Art Should Provoke Thought

Actor Shanthi Priya, part of the upcoming Tamil film Bad Girl, has addressed criticism from Droupadi director Mohan G Kshatriyan. Mohan had slammed filmmaker Vetri Maaran, who is presenting Bad Girl, for the film’s portrayal of Brahmins. Responding to this, Shanthi Priya stressed that cinema is meant to express ideas and highlight societal issues, not target any particular community.

Also Read: Gabriel Macht Feels Sorry for Fans Who Choose Law School After Watching 'Suits'

Cinema Should Spark Conversations, Not Conflict

Shanthi Priya clarified that Bad Girl is about important topics and does not aim to hurt anyone’s sentiments. She emphasized that movies should encourage discussions and challenge outdated beliefs.

“Art is a way to express reality. Films like Bad Girl aim to break stereotypes and tell untold stories, not attack any group. Showing a Brahmin girl’s life—or any community’s struggles—is part of storytelling, not bashing,” she wrote.

Supports Vetri Maaran and Anurag Kashyap

Backing filmmakers Vetri Maaran and Anurag Kashyap, Shanthi Priya praised their fearless approach to filmmaking.

“Vetri Maaran and Anurag Kashyap always highlight social issues and inequalities. Their goal is not to offend but to make people think and reflect on life’s realities. Art doesn’t have to be comfortable—it should challenge and create empathy for different experiences,” she added.

Cinema Should Be a Tool for Understanding

Shanthi Priya urged critics to view such films as opportunities for self-reflection rather than attacks.

“Every community has struggles, and showing them in films makes cinema more meaningful and relevant,” she concluded.

Mohan G Kshatriyan’s Criticism

Earlier, director Mohan G Kshatriyan criticized Bad Girl on X (formerly Twitter), claiming the film unfairly portrays Brahmins. He accused the filmmakers of repeating old tropes and challenged them to depict their own communities similarly.

About Bad Girl

Directed by Varsha Bharath, Bad Girl stars Anjali Sivaraman, Shanthi Priya, Saranya Ravichandran, Hridhu Haroon, TeeJay Arunasalam, and Sashank Bommireddipalli. The film is set to release in theaters this year, but the exact date is yet to be announced.

Also Read: Director Mohan G Slams Vetrimaaran and Anurag Kashyap for Misrepresenting Brahmins in Bad Girl